Baby Genius Colors, Numbers & Baby Animals (DK $7.99 Score:) Arrived too late for our book, but here is a new boardbook series for talking and looking at together. The Color book has no confusing other colors on most pages- so toddlers will get a "Gestalt" of what is red, blue, etc. Their number book goes only to five- perfect for beginners, though some of the images are a bit fuzzy; Baby Animals show the same animal in multiple poses- so there's lots to talk about. There's also a shape book, but we think this is a concept for older tots- not those who are barely talking yet. 6 months & up.

Hello, Spot!(Eric Hill, Putnam $8.99 Score:) Spot is looking behind a bush, in a basket, under a flowerpot, and in other places, where he discovers many familiar animals. A charming lift-the-flaps fabric book, which little hands can safely explore. Beyond the peek-a-boo stage, this reinforces animal names and position words.

Diddle, Diddle Dumpling and Little Miss Muffet(illus. by Tracey Campbell Pearson, Farrar Straus $5.95 Score:) Lively illustrations of a toddler take these simple rhymes out of the relm of nonsense verse and into the world of here and now without being scary. A charming way to give both of these old Mother Goose rhymes a new life. 1 & up.

Off to Bed & Out to Play(created by Michel Blake/photos by Trish Grant, Candlewick $5.99 Score:) Cleverly designed knowing and naming books with black and white photographs and featured object in full color. Edges of the cardboard pages are staggered for easy turning, although we didnít find them that much easier. Itís something like still life shots from Pleasantville for the toddler set.

Animal Talk(by Dawn Sirett, et al, DK $4.99 Score:) Go ahead and ham it up as you introduce baby to these familiar animals who are seen in full-body photos and then in close-ups as you lift the flaps and make their animal sounds. Also in the same series, Noisy Trucks, illustrated with colorful toy vehicles.

Playtime Peekaboo!(by Dawn Sirett et al, DK $6.99 Score:) A small clue, such as a toy elephantís trunk, is revealed behind each of the flaps and, once found, there is also a texture to explore. Featuring a cast of multicultural babies, familiar toy animals, and the favorite game of peek-a-boo. Also in the same series, Bathtime Peekaboo!

What's That Sound?(Soft Play $6.99 Score:) Ernie wants to know what to call each of the items that makes a special sound in this cloth book. Thereís a squeaky duck, a ringing phone, a choo-choo train, a boing-boing ball, a chirping bird, a mooing cow, and a big bus that says beep! An interactive book that adults will need to activate at first. A good take-along travel toy. (800) 515-5437.

Who Loves Baby?(Sassy $6.99 Score:) Refreshed in new colors, this vinyl book has no text. It has pockets where you put photos of the people who love baby inside. A great take-along for little ones going off to daycare or for stay-at-home tots, as well.

Baby Animals (by Anne N. Nguyen, Chronicle $19.99 Score:) There are 18 little board books in this library. Each fits perfectly in little hands and opens to reveal a tiny story about a featured animal. Illustrations are in color photos and text is short but clear and about familiar animals. 6 mos & up.